Overview
Tolland County is located in Connecticut with a population of approximately 150,000. The Tolland-Mansfield Probate Court (PD-25) handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Connecticut probate is governed by Title 45a of the Connecticut General Statutes. The process begins with filing a Petition for Administration or Probate of Will (Form PC-200) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Fiduciary's Probate Certificates (equivalent to Letters Testamentary or Administration).
For smaller estates, Connecticut offers a simplified procedure known as the Affidavit in Lieu of Probate of Will/Administration (Form PC-212). This is available if the decedent's total assets are valued at $40,000 or less and include no real property solely in the decedent's name.
Connecticut probate fees are statutory and based on the gross taxable estate, ranging from $25 for very small estates to a maximum of $39,999 for estates over $8.8 million.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Tolland County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Tolland-Mansfield Probate Court
Probate matters in Tolland County are handled at the Tolland-Mansfield Probate Court.
Address: Hicks Memorial Municipal Center, 21 Tolland Green, 2nd Level, Tolland, CT 06084
Phone: (860) 871-3640
Hours:
- Monday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
The court is located in the Tolland Town Hall complex. It serves the towns of Tolland, Mansfield, Coventry, and Willington.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available on both sides of the courthouse/town hall building. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate consists of personal property only and is valued at $40,000 or less, you may file Form PC-212 (Affidavit in Lieu of Probate).
- Survivorship/Beneficiary Designations: Assets with named beneficiaries or held in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship pass outside of probate.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Administration or Probate of Will (Form PC-200) with the Tolland-Mansfield Probate Court. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Form PC-200 (Petition)
- Filing fee (calculated based on estate value)
- A copy of the funeral bill (paid or unpaid)
Connecticut Probate Courts utilize an e-filing system called TurboCourt, though paper filings are also accepted.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, the court will generally handle the initial notice to heirs and beneficiaries for the hearing on the petition. However, once appointed, you must:
- Mail notice to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation (e.g., Hartford Courant or Journal Inquirer) within 14 days of appointment.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 2 to 4 weeks after filing. If all parties waive notice and consent, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Upon approval, the judge issues Fiduciary's Probate Certificates.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving certificates, the personal representative must:
- Allow the 150-day creditor claim period to run.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 2 months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses.
- File the Connecticut Estate Tax Return (Form CT-706 NT or CT-706/709) within 6 months.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Financial Report (Form PC-246) to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Tolland County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: The Connecticut Probate Court system strongly encourages the use of TurboCourt for e-filing documents.
- Hearings: Many routine hearings are held virtually or waived if all parties consent.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Tolland County, such as the Hartford Courant or Journal Inquirer.
- Tax Returns: A Connecticut estate tax return must be filed for every estate, even if no tax is due.
Always check with the court clerk for the most current local rules regarding scheduling and document submission.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Tolland County)
Connecticut probate fees are based on the gross taxable estate (including non-probate assets):
- $0 - $500: $25
- $501 - $1,000: $50
- $1,000 - $10,000: $50 + 1% of excess over $1,000
- $10,000 - $500,000: $150 + 0.35% of excess over $10,000
- $500,000 - $2,000,000: $1,865 + 0.25% of excess over $500,000
- Over $2,000,000: Fees continue to scale up to a max of $39,999.
Payment Methods
The court accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (via e-filing). Checks should be made payable to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut" or the specific probate court depending on the fee type.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Connecticut is statutory (at least 150 days), which sets a minimum baseline for the process.
Local Resources
Tolland County Court Resources
- Court Website: Tolland-Mansfield Probate Court
- Probate Self-Help: CT Probate Court User Guides
- State Probate Forms: CT Probate Court Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Tolland County Bar Association: (860) 871-3640 (Court can provide local list)
- Statewide Legal Services of CT: (800) 453-3320 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- CT Bar Association Lawyer Referral: Find a Lawyer
Publication
- Hartford Courant: (860) 241-6200 — Major regional daily
- Journal Inquirer: (860) 646-0500 — Local daily covering Tolland County